SANS 10142-1 : 2008

CODE OF PRACTICE
THE WIRING OF PREMISES
Part 1 : Low Voltage Installation

4 Compliance

Proof of Compliance (Sub clause 4.1.1)

The SABS safety mark

The SABS approved performance mark

4.2.2 Table 4.1 SURGE ARRESTERS

Applicable standards Surge arresters for LV systems --- SABS IEC 61643-1

SABS IEC 61643-1 - New since 1999

SABS 171 - Withdrawn 2000

6.7.6 Surge protection

Surge protection devices (SPDs) may be installed to protect an installation

against overvoltage surges such as those due to switching operations or
those induced by atmospheric discharges (lightning). Amdt 1 See annex L for
the installation of SPDs. Amdt 1

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 Annex L
Installation of surge protection devices (SPDs) into
low-voltage system

L.2.2 The volume to be protected is divided into LPZ in order to define the different levels
of exposure due to lightning surge currents and voltages.

Conducting services that penetrate each zone shall be bonded at each

crossover/penetration point.

LPZ 0 LPZ 1 LPZ 2 LPZ 3

Ref: SABS IEC 61312-1

L.2.5 Transition from LPZ 0A to LPZ 1

L.2.5.1 Services between LPZ 0A and LPZ 1 carry substantial lightning currents

L.2.5.2 At the interface between LPZ 0A and LPZ 1, Class I lightning current
SPDs are required.

L.2.5.3 Parameters of such partial lightning currents, to which Class I SPDs

will be exposed, are determined by the required protection level in
accordance with Table L.2 and SANS IEC 61312-1

L.2.6. Transition from LPZ 0B to LPZ 1

L.2.6.1 In LPZ 0B, electromagnetic fields caused by lightning currents are

dominant.

A direct stroke is excluded.

L.2.6.2 At the interface between LPZ 0B and LPZ 1, Class II overvoltage SPDs
are required. (Class II SPDs should be tested in accordance with
SANS 61643-1/IEC 61643-1 (SABS IEC 61643-1).)

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ELIMINATING SOME CONFUSION

LPZ
LPZ 00AA BTS antenna
Feeder cable

PP radio

Rolling Sphere LPZ

LPZ 00BB
R = 20 m

GPS

Information Technology System 1

2

LPZ
LPZ 11 3

Power Supply System Base Station

• In 99% of all cases conducting services traverse from LPZ 0A through LPZ
0b to get to LPZ 1

• In very few cases will conducting services only traverse from LPZ 0B to LPZ 1

Example of –Transition from LPZ 0B to LPZ 1

LPZ 0AA
LPZ 00AA
LPZ
Bonding Bar 1
at the Boundary LPZ 00BB
LPZ
of LPZ 0B and
LPZ 1
Equipment Casing, LPZ 1 Bonding Bar 1
Representing Shield 2 at the Boundary
of LPZ 0A, 0B
LPZ 22
LPZ Local Bonding Bar 2 and LPZ 1
at the Boundary of
LPZ 1 and LPZ 2

Bonding of Shield 2 Cables

Cables
Earth Termination
System

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The Modified Clause L.2.5

L.2.5 Transition from LPZ 0 to LPZ 1

L.2.5.2 At the interface between LPZ 0 and LPZ 1,

Class I + Class II SPDs are required.

What do we need to Know about SPDs ?

1.0 The TYPE of SPD

There are basically TWO types of SPDs

1.1 Lightning Current Arrester

1.2 Lightning Surge Arrester

2.0 Classification Of SPD’s

SPD‘s are divided into Classes as per SABS IEC: 61643-1 and 61312-1

Class I - Lightning Current Arrester

Class II - Overvoltage Arrester
Class III - Overvoltage Arrester

3.0 Minimum Requirements Class I - Type SPD (Ref: IEC 60364-5-534)

3.1 … the value of Iimp for SPD‘s connected between

Phase and Neutral shall not be less than 12.5 kA (10/350)

3.2 … for SPD‘s connected between Neutral and PE

- Iimp shall not be less than 25 kA (10/350)
and 50 kA (10/350) for Three Phase systems.

4.0 Minimum Requirements Class II - Type SPD (Ref: IEC 60364-5-534)

4.1 … the value of Isn for SPD‘s connected between
Phase and Neutral shall not be less than 5 kA (8/20)

4.2 … for SPD‘s connected between Neutral and PE

- Isn shall not be less than 10 kA (8/20)
and 20 kA (8/20) for Three Phase systems

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5.0 The WAVE SHAPES ?
5.1 Class I the Wave Shape is 10/350 micro seconds (μs)

5.2 Class II the Wave Shape is 8/20 micro seconds (μs)

5.3 Class III the Wave Shape is 8/20 micro seconds (μs)

Comparison of Lightning Test Currents

(kA)
1 2
100 kA
waveform µs 10/350 8/20
i max. kA 100 10
80 kA Q As 50 0.1
W/R J/Ω 2.5·106 0,4·103
60 kA Standard SABS IEC SABS IEC
61024-1-1 61024-1-1
50 kA 1
40 kA

20 kA
2

80 µs 200 µs 350 µs 600 µs 800 µs 1000 µs

t (µs)

Amplitude Comparison of Equally Charged Lightning

Currents with Waveforms 10/350µs and 8/20µs

25
Surge Current (8/20µs) in kA

20

15

10

0
0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
Lightning Impulse Current (10/350µs) in kA
1150e.ppt / 10.05.2000 / KK

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6.0 Class I type SPD - The most commonly used types are
Spark-Gaps

7.0 Class II type SPD - The mostly commonly used type

are MOV (Metal Oxide Varistor)

U-Ι - Characteristic of 275 V - MOV

4000

2000
U (V)
1000
800
600

400

200

100
10-5 10-4 10-3 10-2 10-1 100 101 102 103 104 105
Ι (A)

L.1.1.2

a) SPDs shall comply with the requirements of SANS IEC 61643-1 and
shall have been tested as Class II devices

b) SPDs in the main distribution board shall be at least Class II devices;

c) except for voltage switching (gapped) type, each Class II

voltage-limiting SPD shall be equipped with a thermal disconnecting
mechanism and visual indication that shows end of life;

5.4.3 Surge protection

Where a surge protection device is installed, it shall be installed after

the main switch (see annex L). Amdt 1

L.1.1.3 Power and telecommunication lines should enter the building or

structure in close proximity and NOT on opposite sides of the building
or structure.

NOTE For total protection, SPDs should be installed on all conductive

services that enter or leave a building or a structure by the installer of
such service.

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 What is the right protection level or value? (Clamping or Residual
Voltage)

L.1.1.4 According to the requirements of the insulation coordination in power

installations (see IEC 60664-1) and the surge immunity of equipment to be
protected, it is necessary to keep the voltage protection levels of the SPDs
below a maximum value of the surge immunity level of the equipment. If the
immunity against damage is not known, component immunity levels as in
SANS 61000-4-5/IEC 61000-4-5 (SABS IEC 61000-4-5) shall be used.

L.1.1.5 The impulse withstand levels are divided into categories as given in table
L.1 with overvoltage limits listed for standard 230/400 V three-phase
four-wire systems as in IEC 60664-1.

Summary
1.0 All SPDs must be SANS 61643-1 approved
2.0 If external lightning protection is required you need Class I &
Class II or combination SPDs
3.0 Use Class II SPDs with disconnection mechanism and indication
4.0 SPDs without disconnection device can only be used with ELCB
5.0 Use back-up fuse protection as per the manufactures instructions
6.0 Use wire sizes as per the manufactures instruction
7.0 Keep connecting wires as short as possible < 500 mm
8.0 Be mindful of down stream SPD co-ordination
9.0 Seek expert advise if you are unsure

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